Carey cited the Blue Devils’ recruiting class, the players currently on the team and legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski as the major factors that convinced him.

“[Krzyzewski said] I’m a unique player, and he said he works well with unique players,” Carey said. “So just being able to be under his belt is just humbling.”

Carey’s decision was carried live on ESPN. He said he chose to commit today because it is the anniversary of the death of his grandfather.

Florida has handed out 36 Mr. Basketball awards to the state's best high school boys basketball player since 1983 to 30 illustrious standouts. Here is that trip down memory lane:

(Steve Svekis, Keven Lerner)

“I absolutely adore the Carey family, and to see the emotion they’re going through today, they’re tremendous people,” U-School coach Jim Carr said. “I’m very proud, I’m very happy for young Vernon. I think he’s relieved the process is over.

“This is a hard day. Vernon’s grandfather was such an iconic figure in his community.”

Carey originally considered Miami in his top five schools. His father, Vernon Carey Sr., played football for the Hurricanes.

“Miami, I thought, had great momentum when I first got here,” Carr said. “It’s an unbelievable program. I really feel for them because I think just the negativity of where college basketball was last year and the improper innuendo against that program put them back a little bit.”

Carey, the No. 2 prospect in the 2019 class according to 247Sports, has helped lead his team to a 4-0 start this season.